Whilst surfing the internet to get an idea of prices, I came across floridatix, which seemed to have the best prices – between £107 - £189 per ticket.

There are 6 types of tickets available to use at Discovery Cove:

Ultimate Adventure Swim

1 day at Discovery Cove, including unlimited access to the Coral Reef (snorkel with thousands of tropical fish), Ray Lagoon (snorkel with hundreds of rays), Resort Style Pool (with sandy beach) and Free Flight Aviary (home to more than 250 tropical birds), and including a 30mins reserved Dolphin Swim Experience

Also included are a generous continental breakfast, 3-course freshly prepared lunch, unlimited snacks, fresh fruit and smoothies, also water, sodas, and (for over 21s) beer and wine.

Complimentary all-day self-parking, sun loungers, lockers, towels, sun cream, showers, snorkels and either a swim vest or wetsuit.

14 consecutive days unlimited admission to Seaworld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens (including free transportation to Busch Gardens from International Drive, and various locations in Kissimmee).

Ticket available without Dolphin Swim Experience: Ultimate Adventure Non-Swim

Choice Of Adventure Swim + 14 DaysBuschGardens

14 consecutive days unlimited admission to Busch Gardens (including transport) only.

(As the Ultimate, but doesn’t include Aquatica and Seaworld).

Ticket available without Dolphin Swim Experience: Choice Of Adventure Non-Swim + 14 DaysBuschGardens

Choice Of Adventure Swim + 14 Days Seaworld

14 consecutive days unlimited admission to Seaworld only.

(As the Ultimate, but doesn’t include Aquatica and Busch Gardens).

Ticket available without Dolphin Swim Experience: Choice Of Adventure Non-Swim + 14 Days Seaworld       

Notes

Check-in begins at 8am daily

Children must be 6 years old to swim with dolphins

Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult to enter Discovery Cove

One swim ticket must be booked per party

Only sunscreen provided (safe to animals) can be used (additional sunscreen factors SPF 15 & 30 can be purchased)

Limited capacity – calendar on flordiatix website shows which days are booked up.

Location

Discovery Cove
6000 Discovery Cove Way
Orlando, FL 32821

We had been advised to arrive early so were at the entrance at 8.30 am. Once inside the park we were shown where to get our wet suites and bag containing sun screen, mask and snorkle . It was then off to breakfast. A wonderful choice of fruit cereals and pastries plus cold drinks and coffee.

Our swim with the dolphins was at 10.30 so after the briefing we went down to the pool. We had only booked for my husband and daughter to do the swim. My son and myself stood on the edge and took video and photos.  At the end of the swim my daughter was taken to one side and all of a sudden a dolphin swam up to her with a plastic bouy in his mouth. On it was written Happy Birthday Zoe love from Discovery Cove. Her face was a picture!

My husband and daughter were then taken for a de briefing. When the had gone a trainer told us to go for lunch when the had finished and then make sure we returned to the restaurant at 2.30pm.

We had a fabulous lunch, lots of dishes to choose from and plenty to eat. At 2.30pm we did as we had been asked and returned to the restaurant. A table had been laid with our names on it. There was a table cloth and special plates and serviettes. Once we had sat down we were asked what we would like to drink. After the drinks had arrived the band that had been playing started playing Happy Birthday and a line of staff members arrived carrying a birthday cake for Zoe! She was delighted. We could only manage a tiny piece each so the rest was boxed up and was waiting at the exit of the park for us when we left.

We spent the afternoon swimming with the rays and enjoying all that the park has to offer. This also includes free drinks and snacks through out the day. I must also mention the restrooms. Beautiful towels, shampoo, shower gel and hair dryers in everyone!      

A truley fantastic day and one she will remember for a very long time!

Of course, this luxury comes at a price. As at June 2006, the price for one day at Discovery Cove was $279. That does include not only the dolphin interaction, but also the chance to snorkel the tropical reef, wade with the rays, hand feed the tropical birds, and all you can eat & drink breakfast, lunch and snacks, equipment hire (snorkel gear, wetsuits etc), plus 14 days entrance to Sea World …But, still, that price may make you swallow hard and think about it again.

* A couple of things to note are that children aged under 5 are not allowed to enjoy the dolphin interaction, but can opt for the “non-dolphin” package at $179 - as can any non-swimming adults - and that the water can feel VERY chilly as dolphins prefer an optimum temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit!

Assuming none of this has dampened your determination, what can you expect at Discovery Cove:

Dolphin Swim

Easily the highlight of a wonderful day. Take turns to hug, kiss and play with a dolphin and even to communicate with simple hand signals. The one-on-one swimming is over far too quickly and it is incredibly tempting to sneak to the back of the group and try it all over again…This memory will stay with you…

Coral Reef

Calming and relaxing. The thousands of tropical fish and rays beneath you make you feel that all your cares have floated away and that all you are left with is the sun above, the water below and the tranquil ebb and flow of the ocean…Shark and barracuda lurk on the horizon - but safely behind glass. Explore the reef, the shipwreck and the underwater grottoes…

Tropical River Swim

Makes me smile just thinking about this. Drifting along in the warm water, the gentle current leads you to sandy beaches, enchanting rainforests - complete with waterfall! - and even an underwater cave. This will relax you if nothing else can…

Ray Lagoon

There is something disquieting about the alien flapping of one ray, let alone several dozens of them all around you. If you can adjust to the unusual movement and the strangely velvety touch then you will love this experience. You just won’t know until you try it!

Aviary

This is more to my taste. Watching the birds wheel above you or listening to them squawk from the branches is another surreal experience as your mind tells you that you are in Orlando but your senses tell you are in the rainforest of Central America…

Resort Pool

Aahhh, and finally….One last dip in this extraordinary pool as the late afternoon sunlight trickles down through the spreading leaves. All around you the trees whisper to each other and the waterfall murmurs its happiness…It has been a day to remember…

David Evans